FG directs NBTE on seamless mobilisation of HND graduates for NYSC
THE Federal Government has directed the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to expedite action on the collation of data for eligible Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates from Polytechnics for mobilisation for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, gave the directive to NBTE, following the resolution by the National Youth Service Corps to commence mobilisation of eligible HND graduates in the country.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the resolution of the long-standing issue regarding the mobilisation of HND graduates for NYSC, was made possible through the intervention of the Minister of Education.
Following a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC, the minister confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilisation.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, Federal Ministry of Education, while also confirming the development, said this marked a significant breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC programme.
She added that this underscored the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system.
Boriowo, however, explained that those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilisation.
In order to facilitate a seamless mobilisation process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates.
She further disclosed that a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal.
Dr Alausa emphasised that NYSC mobilisation is strictly for those who completed a full-time HND programme, stressing that only full-time HND graduates will be mobilised, while those who did HND part-time remain ineligible.
He further disclosed that the newly created portal would ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation, addressing past challenges related to admission records.
The minister urged all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to educational reforms, particularly in ensuring equity for Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates.
The recent resolution to allow full-time HND graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme according to NAPS is a landmark achievement that reflects the government’s dedication to fairness, inclusivity, and quality education.
The National President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said the students’ bodies also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for being a listening father and a proactive leader who has demonstrated immense passion in addressing concerns of polytechnic students, adding that his resolve, alongside the collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders, had finally yielded this long-awaited and impactful decision.
He recalled that the leadership of NAPS, under his stewardship as president alongside his immediate predecessor, Comrade Munirudeen Ridwan Opeyemi, strongly agitated for the implementation through strategic engagements.
“Our visits to key stakeholder institutions, including the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and other relevant agencies, played a crucial role in driving this positive outcome. Today, we celebrate the victory of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to students’ welfare,” he said.
He extended gratitude to all government institutions, agencies, and individuals who played vital roles in the struggle, including the NBTE’s dedication to ensuring a seamless mobilisation process, the cooperation of polytechnic rectors, and support from education stakeholders.
NAPS advised all students to strictly adhere to the NYSC’s mobilisation guidelines to avoid complications.
